Testimonials

Check out what Empire's past and present clients have to say about their experience with us.

MARLION PICKETT

Vando believed in me when nobody else would. He used his experience and contacts within the AFL industry to finally convince an AFL club to give me an opportunity as a 27 year old. He has now negotiated a few contract extensions for me, set up a profitable book deal to tell my story and has given me a financial plan to stick to. He cares deeply for me, my partner and 4 kids. I am forever grateful! My brother for life!

TIM KELLY

Anthony‘s management expertise, knowledge and guidance has been invaluable to me.

He’s efficient in how he goes about our business and someone I know I can trust. He has always got my back! I highly recommend Anthony to any athlete

JEFFREY FARMER

If you’re looking for honesty, reliability and someone you can trust Anthony is your man. He provided great wisdom and advice throughout my career and I know that I can still rely on him many years after. I highly recommend him to anyone.

ANTONI GROVER

I’d describe Vando’s management style in 3 words ‘above and beyond’. No matter what the situation on-field or off-field he was prepared to provide the support required. This is no more evident than during my transition out of the game where his support has enabled me to successfully transition into life after football. Vando was my manager now he’s a mate for life!

ASHLEY SAMPI

Anthony wasn’t just a manager, he was a mate. His work for me was excellent and I still ask him for advice

ERIN MCGOWAN

Anthony V, my one and only manager. To be there through the good and bad times on a professional level, in one of the toughest sports on the planet. Winning my world title would not have been the same without him, friend and mentor for life.

SCOTT THORNTON

Anthony works hard for his players. Nothing was ever too much to ask from him. He not only helped with my contracts and advice whilst I was a player but he also has assisted me with career advice for many years after my career finished. His selfless attitude is one of the reasons that I count Vando as a close friend to this day.

ADAM HUNTER

I have no hesitation in recommending Anthony as an agent. Not only did he negotiate an excellent contract, sponsorship deals and do a housing development for me he was there as a person I could trust and talk to and am very grateful to still have him as a true friend way after my career has finished.

BRENDON AH CHEE

Vanders is a great mate as well as a quality manager. He takes as much interest in my personal life as he does my professional life. Legend!

ANDREW EMBLEY

As a player it is extremely important to attain the services of a good manager. The last thing you want is to be dealing with off-field distractions as it takes away your focus from doing what you do best and that’s playing professional sport. Vando became not just a manager but a friend. We regularly bounced ideas of each other and he gave me great guidance throughout my football career. Through his large network of contacts he was able to provide me with a number of endorsement opportunities that were separate to the ones that I received from the club. Vando always had my best interests at heart and whilst my football days are now over, Vando continues to offer me his services whenever I’m in need.

PAUL HASLEBY

Combining business acumen, a successful property business and a terrific understanding of the AFL landscape made joining Empire an easy decision. Anthony’s guidance and advice helped shape my football career and more importantly my life after football. When I did my knee in 2008 Anthony was the first person on the scene and when all the well wishes had come and gone he was the last one there to guide me through the toughest time of a career. That is what set him and Empire apart from the rest.